Ravens Review and Jags Pre-game

A Win is a Win

The Ravens played a tough game on defense.  Thankfully, Flacco was limiting the play calling of the Ravens, who played it close to the vest.  The Baltimore tackles and RBs struggles against Harrison and Woodley, which PGH had hoped would happen.  Losing Mendenhall and Davis hurts, but it also let Moore show what he can do.  I think as the season wears on, this is a good thing.  This will let Ben gain trust in a check down option, which will be important in countering the pass rush.

The Jags are another physical team, but a bit less so after losing Stroud to Buffalo.  The Jags pass rush is not producing as much as hoped.  The offense still relies on running the ball with an occasional play from Garrard.

The short week shouldn't matter much as far as game planning goes.  The Steelers know the Jags, and visa versa.  I hope the Steelers get a lot of rest this week.

Steeler's offense:

1.  Needs to keep the Jag's D off balance with short, efficient passes on 1st and 2nd down.

2.  When they run, the oline has to let the FB get to a LB'er.  If the O-line can win one-on-one battles, the running game will be effective.  Not dominating, but effective enough to make the Jags think about it.  Getting 3-4 yards per carry is probably all we can expect without Parker or Mendenhall.  

3.  Need to victimize the short-handed Jax secondary.  Maybe test it early by going deep if they get a 2nd and short.

4.  Keep the inside pressure down when passing.  This is one of the things that killed the Steelers last year.

5.  Need to jump out to an early lead.  The Jax offense is not a big play threat, except for MJD.  Get a lead early and minimize the Jax running game, and let Silverback/Woodley wreak havoc.

Key match-ups:  Hartings/Stapelton/Kemo vs the DTs.

Steeler's defense:

1.  Taylor loves to cut back, so no over-pursuit.  The D-line and LB'ers need to "string-out" outside runs by Taylor rather than penetrate.

2.  Polamalu should serve as the disruptive penetrator in run D.

3.  Hit Garrard hard early.  He has not been as mistake free with the ball as he was in 2007.  He will probably offer up a pick or two - that's for you Ike.

Key match-ups:  Barnes/Pashos vs. Silverback/Woodley

Wrap-up

This will be a very difficult game to win for the Steelers.  Jax plays very physical, and it looks like the OGs have adjusted from being second string to starting.  When they were both in the AFC Central, Jax gave the Steelers fits.

The pre-season pick was 28-20 Jags.  It might be a bit loser (24-20), but I still think the Jags win.  However, I'd love it if the Steelers were able to pull one out.